Category: Community

It's a "grain" of hope for those in need.

The Okotoks Food Bank received a significant boost in support from the community during the Annual Community Food Drive, collecting approximately 26,000 lbs of food and household essentials. The drive took place on September 19, with volunteers from the food bank and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collecting donations throughout the community.

According to Bente Yanota, Executive Director of the Okotoks Food Bank, the organization is grateful for the community’s support. “We’re very fortunate that the community came together and could help us on this very important day,” Yanota said.

The donations will be used to support the food hamper program and to supplement the Help Yourself Shelf Program. Financial donations also played an important role, allowing the Food Bank to purchase perishable foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

A large team of volunteers from the food bank and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supported the food drive, with Sunbelt Rentals donating a forklift to help move the large volume of food around the food bank’s warehouse.

Yanota emphasized that the annual food drive is about more than just filling the Food Bank’s shelves. “Our community stands with us to help us once a year to fill up the shelves, and that we can just continue to offer substantial hampers to our families,” she said.

The donations will be sorted through by volunteers over the next few months, with Yanota estimating that it will take some time to inspect each item and ensure that it is still usable.

It looks like the library is "checking out" some of its services for a little while!

The Okotoks Public Library is gearing up for a system upgrade, which will impact some of its services later this month. Despite the disruption, the library will remain open, with limited services starting on September 25.

While programs will continue to run as scheduled, some services will be unavailable, including checkouts, renewals, and placing holds. However, library cards will still be required to borrow items, and checkout services will be available at the front desk.

Residents are advised to take care of any account needs before September 25, including renewals, replacements, outstanding charges, and PIN resets, to minimize any impact on borrowing. Some digital services, such as Libby and CloudLibrary, will remain available during the upgrade.

The library will return to regular service on October 5.

For more information, visit the Okotoks Public Library website.

"The popcorn is popping with excitement at Okotoks Cinemas' 30th anniversary celebration!"

Okotoks Cinemas has been a staple of the community for three decades, bringing people together through film. To celebrate this milestone, the local theatre is throwing a ’90s-themed party, complete with free movies, trivia, games, and prizes.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the cinema will screen some of the biggest movies of 1996, including Space Jam and Twister. Large popcorn will be priced at $3, just like in the good old days.

“For 30 years, you’ve chosen to spend your evenings, weekends, date nights, family outings, and special moments with us,” said Okotoks Cinemas. “Your support has helped keep our doors open and our screens lit, and we are incredibly grateful.”

The celebration is not limited to Saturday. On Friday, Sept. 18, the cinema is hosting a free movie night for Welcoming Week, featuring the film Blinded by the Light. Attendees can also enjoy free popcorn and pop, and are encouraged to bring a shelf-stable food donation to support Rowan House Society.

“Local businesses like Okotoks Cinemas are more than just places where we shop or catch a movie,” said Mayor Tanya Thorn. “They employ our neighbours, support community organizations and events, and help create the places and experiences that connect us.”

For more information, visit Okotoks Cinemas website.

"Furniture for a cause" is a piece of the puzzle that brings comfort to those in need.

Multiple Rotary Clubs, including Okotoks, have been recognized for their contributions to furnishing resident rooms at Foothills Country Hospice, making them feel more like home.

A recognition ceremony was held at the hospice on Sept. 16, acknowledging funding from Rotary Clubs in Okotoks, High River, Stampede Park, Heritage Park, Calgary West, Centennial, and Sarcee.

The funding was used to purchase furnishings for the hospice’s new resident rooms, providing a warm, inviting, and comfortable space for residents and their families.

“Although the furniture is designed so it works with health and safety and medical requirements, it was specifically chosen to be comfortable and welcoming to families,” Frances Schwartz, Foothills Country Hospice Executive Director, said.

June Diment, board chair, noted that seemingly simple items such as couches and tables can have a significant impact in a hospice setting.

“A couch is not just a couch when it allows a family member to stay close through the night,” she said. “A table is not just a table when it becomes a place for photographs, for sharing meals with loved ones, for quiet conversations, and the memories that families will carry with them forever.”

The hospice’s new wing opened in early 2026, increasing its capacity from eight beds to 16. Diment said the expansion was about more than simply adding beds.

“It was about creating rooms that feel like a home,” she said. “When you’re in a hospice, they must add a lot of warmth and soften the clinical edges.”

The furnishings have helped create spaces where families can stay together, share memories, and spend time with their loved ones.

Kerri Ann Colby, Okotoks Rotary Club President, said that supporting the Foothills Country Hospice was an honour.

“This facility holds a deeply special place in all of our hearts, providing comfort, dignity, and sanctuary to individuals and families,” Colby said.

She noted that the partnership represents a symbol of community care, friendship, and respect between the clubs, and the hospice.

“We hope that these expanded spaces and the furniture within them bring peace and comfort to countless families for years to come,” Colby said.